An unfavorable materials quantity variance indicates that:

• A. less materials were used than the standard allowed for actual production
• B. the actual output was higher than the budgeted output
• C. more materials were used than the standard allowed for actual production
• D. materials were purchased at a lower price than the standard cost

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a materials quantity variance: It measures the difference between the actual quantity of materials used and the standard quantity allowed for actual production, multiplied by the standard cost per unit of material.
2. Recognize that an unfavorable variance occurs when the actual quantity of materials used exceeds the standard quantity allowed. This means more materials were consumed than planned, leading to higher costs.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: For example, 'less materials were used than the standard allowed' would result in a favorable variance, not an unfavorable one.
4. Focus on the correct interpretation: An unfavorable materials quantity variance indicates inefficiency in material usage during production, which could be due to waste, errors, or poor planning.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: 'More materials were used than the standard allowed for actual production,' as this aligns with the definition of an unfavorable materials quantity variance.